Luang Pu Thongdam (Lp Thongdam) Wat Tha Thong, Uttaradit

 

Luang Pu Thongdam, Wat Tha Thong, Uttaradit Province

Luang Pu Thongdam Thitawanno, also known as Phra Nimmankovit, was the revered abbot of Wat Tha Thong in Wang Kapi Subdistrict, Mueang District, Uttaradit Province. Known for his deep spiritual powers and mastery of Buddhist psychic abilities, he was highly respected by the Buddhist community.

Born in 1898 in Ban Sai Rong Khon, Thap Phan Hin District, Phichit Province, Luang Pu Thongdam’s birth name was Thongdam Menphring. He was the fourth of eight children in a family of tobacco merchants. At the age of three, he was adopted by Luang Pho Ngern Phutthachoti of Wat Bang Khlan, a renowned monk who took a special interest in him. Luang Pho Ngern praised him, saying, "This boy is an angel reborn, and only I can raise him." Under Luang Pho Ngern's guidance, Luang Pu Thongdam quickly mastered the recitation of mantras.

At the age of 22, Luang Pu Thongdam was ordained at Wat Wang Mu in Uttaradit Province. His preceptors included Phra Khru Wichian Panya Maha Muni of Wat Tha Thon and Phra Ajahn Sae of Wat Sawang Arom. After spending his first Lent at Wat Tha Thong, he moved to Wat Tha Thanon for three years. When the abbot position at Wat Tha Thong became vacant, the local community invited him to take on the role. During his time as abbot, Luang Pu Thongdam diligently developed the temple and became well-versed in Buddhist scriptures, passing the Naktham Tri exam.

In 1961, he was promoted to the ecclesiastical rank of Phra Nimmankovit and later became the abbot of Mueang Uttaradit District in 1967. Beyond his religious studies, Luang Pu Thongdam had a deep interest in astrology and magic. Under the tutelage of Luang Pho Ngern, he learned about invulnerability and spiritual protection, which he also applied to his passion for boxing, earning him the nickname "Dam Thanyak."

Luang Pu Thongdam also studied under other famous monks, such as Luang Pho Tim of Wat Klang in Phichit, who taught him the mastery of the Takrut Tone. This knowledge helped Luang Pu Thongdam further develop and promote Buddhism throughout his life.

His reputation for strict discipline and compassionate behavior spread far and wide, attracting monks and laypeople alike to visit and learn from him. Even Phra Thep Witthayakom Thera, or Luang Pho Khun Parisuttho from Wat Ban Rai in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, once visited him for a Dhamma discussion, an event that caused great excitement among Buddhists.

Luang Pu Thongdam passed away on August 25, 2005, at the remarkable age of 107. Throughout his life, he blessed many sacred amulets, including clay amulets, Sum Nakhon Kosa amulets, and Nang Phaya amulets. His sacred items, such as Yantra Takrut, Phra Pidta, Phra Kring, and Siwali amulets, remain highly prized among collectors and devotees.

Today, amulets blessed by Luang Pu Thongdam continue to be sought after by amulet experts, cherished for their powerful spiritual significance and the monk’s enduring legacy.